Phew! Like rg_girlca said, the metal zippers are probably a redesign after all the plastic zippers fell apart. You should be safe with the newer model. I felt the same about the Samsonite name, I've had other Samsonite luggage for years and figured a cat carrier made by them must be good. I was very surprised when I had two of them fall apart in a very short period of time.

I'm real happy with the Sherpa - I got the super-deluxe Rolls Royce model with wheels. With Mishi being as heavy as he is, I NEEDED something with wheels. I won't say he loves it, but I sure do!